Itahari: Deaf community of state one has expressed happiness for the use of sign language interpreter by Chief Minister of state one Sherdhan Rai. State one has been the first state government to use sign language interpreter among seven states of Nepal.
CM Rai addressed the state on the eve of new Nepalese Year of 2077 BS on 13 April. In his official televisied address at 8:15 am from NTV Itahari Channel, Rai came up with sign language interpreter Santoshi Ghimire. Ghimire, who works as official interpreter of Koshi Deaf Association of Biratnagar, said NTV Itahari approached her about future news broadcasting in sign language.
''There were talks about sign language news broadcasting in our state. Social Development Ministry of Biratnagar had given nod to start it from Makalu Television'', shared Ghimire. She added, ''NTV Itahari, the largest television broadcaster from state one, has also shown eagerness which is praiseworthy news for deaf community''.
Santa Kumar Tumbapo, principal of Bhojpur Deaf School, said it was a great beginning towards inclusive and deaf friendly state mechanism. ''We were voicing your concerns to use sign language in state affairs. State one has started. I am happy on this. There are lost more to do by all local and state governments of Nepal'', remarked Tumbapo.
Sitaram Ojha, President of Deaf Federation of State One Committee said he was elated with the initiation. ''Our constitution has guaranteed access of all state information to deaf communities'', remarked Ojha, ''This must be replicated by all local and provincial governments.'' Ojha praised daily COVID-19 briefing with sign language interpreter by federal government.
''Based on latest census of 2011, Nepal has a total of 513,221 people with disabilities and many of them are deaf'', said Ojha. He continued, ''In order to address the constitutionally guaranteed rights of this community, sign language is necessary.''
''We were urged to use sign language by some leaders from deaf community and we introduced sign language interpreter for the first'', said Dhruwa Subedi, the press advisor of CM Rai. He added, ''It is the first sign language interpretation used in Nepal by state government. We will continue to do so in the days ahead.''
